Year of Native Land in Belarus

MINSK, 12 October (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko and President of Russia Vladimir Putin had several hours for informal talks after taking part in the fifth Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia, BelTA has learned.

Alexander Lukashenko invited Vladimir Putin to visit the former’s birth town – the agrotown of Alexandria, Shklov District, Mogilev Oblast. After visiting the house, where Alexander Lukashenko grew up, the two heads of state went for a walk to see the lovely local sights.

Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin went to the Trofimova Krinitsa spring well, which had been once beautified by Alexander Lukashenko’s grandfather – the carpenter Trofim. Alexander Lukashenko himself has put a lot of effort into making the place even more beautiful.

Alexander Lukashenko took Vladimir Putin on a tour of the area surrounding the spring well. He and Vladimir Putin drank some of the crystal-clear water, which is believed to have medicinal qualities.

To make the experience special, instead of the luxury cars the heads of state are accustomed to travel in they chose a refitted retro car GAZ-69 made in the 1960s. Alexander Lukashenko took the wheel.

After the sightseeing tour Vladimir Putin was invited to a lunch in the house of Alexander Lukashenko’s childhood. Regular pancakes and potato pancakes were served hot. Belarusian cuisine dominated the menu of the lunch of the heads of state.